Page 164 of Love Unwritten

Ellie

I search my luggage for the one-piece swimsuit I bought strictly for this trip. The lime-green one I wore that night in the hot tub was supposed to be for special—isolated—occasions, while the black one I bought is more family-friendly.

While rifling through my suitcase, I come across a swimsuit I most definitely did not pack, so I pull out my phone and text Willow a photo.

ME

Seriously?

WILLOW

Are you going to wear it?!

ME

No!

WILLOW

I have a feeling you’ll be changing your mind pretty soon.

It takes me a few minutes to finally understand Willow’s text.

ME

Please tell me you didn’t get rid of my other swimsuit on purpose.

WILLOW

Of course not!

WILLOW

But I’m not about to tell you where I hid it either.

I spend the next couple of minutes searching for the swimsuit, only to get progressively more frustrated when I can’t find it.

WILLOW

Just put the pink one on first. If you still hate the idea, then I’ll tell you where I put the other one.

With a sigh, I reach for the modest but bright one-piece I bought on a whim. The back dips low, showing off the Bend but never break quote I had tattooed along the curve of my spine. The straps are dainty, with short ruffles fanning out in a way that flatters my shoulders and neck.

The color brings out my new tan and pairs nicely with my blond hair, but I feel ridiculous wearing something so frilly and soft with the number of tattoos and scars I have.

I snap a photo of myself in the pink swimsuit and send it to Willow.

ME

This was a terrible idea. I’m never going shopping with you again.

WILLOW

DAMN.

WILLOW

You’ve been hiding those hips underneath mom jeans and hoodies this whole time?